Path to War is a 2002 HBO war drama film directed by John Frankenheimer and written by Daniel Giat. The film is based on the true story of the events leading up to and during the Vietnam War and focuses on the tumultuous relationship between President Lyndon B. Johnson (played by Michael Gambon) and his Secretary of Defense, Robert McNamara (played by Alec Baldwin).
The film covers the period from 1964 to 1968 when President Johnson escalated US involvement in Vietnam, ultimately leading to one of the most controversial wars in American history. As the war rages on, McNamara becomes increasingly disenchanted with the war and begins to question the President's decisions.
The film also explores the relationship between the President and his other key advisors, including Vice President Hubert Humphrey (played by Tom Skerritt) and Secretary of State Dean Rusk (played by Bruce McGill), as they struggle to balance their commitment to the war effort with their conscience.
Path to War is a powerful and thought-provoking film that provides a unique insider's view of the way our country goes to war and the human cost of that decision-making process. It is a must-see for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of America's involvement in Vietnam.